Health Library

Surviving cancer is a huge victory. But for many survivors, it’s not enough to spur them to exercise or maintain a healthy weight—lifestyle measures that may help prevent cancer from returning. A study from the Canadian Community Health Survey found that of 114,000 cancer survivors, fewer than one-quarter got regular physical activity, 34 percent were overweight and more than 18 percent were obese. Least likely to be physically active were survivors of colorectal and breast cancers and female melanoma survivors. Certain cancers, like breast cancer, seem to have poorer outcomes when teamed up with obesity and physical inactivity, making it even more important for survivors to follow the tried-and-true: Exercise on most or all days and get plenty of fruits, vegetables and fiber.